Oldest Harrow police station has open day

WE are all very shocked by the sad news of the death of PC Andy Duncan who died on Sunday, September 22.

PC Duncan, who worked in Sutton borough, was conducting a speed enforcement operation in Sutton where he was trying to stop a vehicle which collided with him. He died in the early hours of Sunday morning. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

With students back at schools and universities this week, you will have noticed more traffic on the roads and a busier public transport service. I would like to warn students to be aware of thieves, who actively target them.

Please remind students to follow some simple crime prevention tips:

Lock doors and windows when leaving your property

Keep bags securely fastened and out of view

Mark your belongings with a UV pen or other permanent property marking solution

Register your valuables on one of the commercially available asset registers

Protect your mobile phone:

Be careful when using your phone outside train and bus stations as these are popular venues for snatch theft, often by motor cycle;

Keep it hidden from view (NOT in your back pocket)

Keep a note of your personal IMEI number (type *#06# into your phone) so if it is stolen, you can block it being used;

Use a security code/PIN

Download a phone tracking application

Never leave your bag and valuables unattended in public view

Avoid talking on your mobile/listening to music on headphones whilst walking home at night alone. n n Be aware of what is going on around you and keep to well lit, busy areas.

Be extra careful when using cash machine - make sure no one is loitering too close, DO NOT let anyone distract you and DO NOT count your money in the middle of the street

DO NOT keep all your valuables in one place. Instead place items such as wallets and mobile phones in inside pockets.

Open Day at Pinner Police Station

Pinner Police Station, which was first opened in 1899, opened its doors to members of the public on Sunday, September 22, with almost 200 people visiting throughout the day.

Members of the public had the opportunity to have a look around the oldest Police Station in Harrow, which is the home of the Pinner Safer Neighbourhoods teams. Officers were also on hand to talk about local policing issues and to discuss crime prevention methods.

Visitors got a chance to get behind the wheel of police patrol vehicles as well as take a closer look at some of the police motorbikes that are used to police the borough – with youngsters only too willing to test out the lights and sirens!

Bicycle security marking was available with cycling enthusiasts making the most of this free crime prevention measure and the children’s colouring competition also proved popular.

I would like to thank our colleagues from the Sea Cadets and the London Fire Brigade who supported the event.

There has been some good work by my officers working in partnership with the UK Border Agency.

Earlier this month Samale Amin, 19, of Kenmore Avenue, Wealdstone, was deported back to the Netherlands.

He was convicted on February 15 for grievous bodily harm and received a 14-month prison sentence at Harrow Crown Court.

He had previous convictions for drugs, robbery and breaching his ASBO. Amin had a total of 14 convictions and two reprimands. The decision to deport him was due to the high risk of him re-offending within 5 years. Hopefully he will never return to the UK.

As I write this, I am pleased to tell you that four men were arrested overnight for a burglary in Pinner. They were arrested by response team officers and we expect that all will be spending a night in my care! I can confirm that a further suspect was arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

In our efforts to make Harrow the safest Borough in London, we will not stand for criminals who come to the borough and burgle homes and businesses.